Wow...it is such a blessing to watch my little munchkins grow into healthy young children. Little K is no exception. She turned four in August and is truly such a delight. As a mom, I look at her and see how big she is getting....and grown up. Wow. This year, she requested a fairy birthday party, so a fairy birthday party it was.
We had great family and friends to celebrate with and K truly seemed to enjoy her party. K battles with some seriousness shyness in large and unfamiliar groups, but there was not any stopping the birthday girl from having a good time. We had fun food, great fellowship, and a really special girl to celebrate with. 
K tends to be mellow and quiet although very social once she trusts the person she is with. She has incredible facial expressions that are worth a million dollars. Another thing worth a million dollars? K's nurturing heart...she has a very big heart and loves to love others, especially babies. She is absolutely gorgeous and melts my heart with her smile.
This year, K started pre-K at our local elementary school and has surprised everyone. She is loving it and becoming quite social. We play lots and lots of 'school' at home, so we are quite certain that she enjoys her environment. She has an incredible teacher (which happened to be C's kindergarten teacher last year).
K's favorite things to do include playing with babies (especially her American Girl dolls), coloring or anything related to art, playing school and writing letters, reading books, and riding her bike. K is a bit of a picky eater, but has a deep love for chocolate, sweets, and PB and J sandwiches.
K had a tough transition when we moved to our little small town and seemed to lose a little bit of her spark. God is good...and we are gradually starting to see our spunky little monkey come back to life.
K, you are such a special little girl with an incredible heart. It is so hard for me to imagine what God has in store for your life, but I know that it will be amazing. I love your smile and the way your big blue eyes look up to me. You are one of the best snuggle bugs that I know and I treasure every day with you. I am so thankful to be your mommy....I love you sweet princess. 
We have been blessed the past several years to go on vacation with Hub's side of the family. His mom chooses a place and we all head to our destination for some quality time and relaxation. This year we went to Great Wolf Lodge. It was AWESOME!! Wow...what a great time we had! It was definitely our favorite vacation spot yet. 
We had so much fun and we are so thankful for the time together! Here are some pictures to prove it.... 
The very day following our week of heaven on earth, we left on a jet plane for chicago. For the first time ever, we left part of our brood at home with Nana and some friends. Initially, C was the only kiddo that was going with us. But, since we were blessed with the new little man (J) in our home, he tagged along for the fun.
Our purpose was to facilitate a vacation bible school for a group of kiddos living in a homeless shelter while in Chicago. Our purpose was to teach them the Word, serve them, and show them by our actions the love that Christ has for them. We had a purpose...but every time that I have ever had an opportunity like this, it is my mission to bless the socks off of these people. But I am the one who walks away a changed person. These kids...from all walks of life...living in a homeless shelter...some unaware of a Man named Jesus that walked the earth to save them...have joy, peace, happiness that only God can grant them in the situation that they are in.
C had a great time...it touched my heart to watch him interact with the kids. He stood up one day in front of the whole group and taught them a Bible verse. C wanted to serve...he, at the age of six, was on a mission for Christ.
But that is not all...Hubs went out on the streets and passed out sandwiches and water. He cleaned and painted at another homeless shelter.
We also had the opportunity to have a lot of fun. In the evenings, we saw the city of Chicago. We had so much fun spending time together...seeing Mary Poppins off broadway, eating Chicago style pizza, shopping at the Lego store, and just bonding with the group of teens and adults that we travelled with.
All in all, that week was another one to write down in history as unforgettable. The city, the kids, the time...all incredible. 
It is a place of encouragement, accountability, refreshment, challenges, learning, growing, friendships, and so much more that can't even be put into words.
The college kiddos that work there are different...serving others before themselves, all for the glory of God. Hubs or I did not get drinks for our kids all week. I'm not sure that we fed the baby a bottle or a jar of baby food. We did not cut up meat or clean up spilt drinks. We sat and talked with our kids and the staff and each other. We went on a picnic, listened to incredible speakers about Godly parenting, and had fun. 
The arts and crafts room was a big hit this year.
Water rockets and skiing were on the play list. 
We enjoyed a carnival and did lots of swimming. 
Every day was full, but not exhausting. Thank you PC for another week of heaven on earth. It is a true gift to our family every year.
K-bel still uses a passy....although only at nap and night, it is so against the norm at our house, but this baby is good at breaking the mold. She also still eats us out of house and home...don't be surprised if she eats three meals a day and seven or eight snacks. No heads turn when she out eats her six year old brother. In fact, leave it up to her brother or sister to provide the snacks and passy at her request.
K-bel still has her gastrostomy button. She seems to be doing quite well. We still don't have a diagnosis for our baby girl, but we hope to see her body really start growing soon....on its own.
K-bel believes whole heartedly that she is in charge 100 percent of the time even if you tell her that she is not. That little bitty body is mighty. She is not afraid to tell her siblings that they need timeout or any other consequence. And most of the time, if they choose not to listen, she takes matters into her own hands.
We celebrated K-bel's birthday with a butterfly party. We had lots of fun with friends and family. 
I love you sweet baby girl...I couldn't be more in love. I want to scoop you up and eat you my little bitty. You make me laugh so hard so often. Happy 2nd birthday. 
